Well this is about the 5th or 6th year I’ve done newsletters instead of cards and the 4th that I’ve done them by email. I do print them out for Mom and a few others who aren’t on-line.

 

It has been an interesting year! Of course the year started with my annual trek to the Eukanuba and Westminster but this year I went simply as a spectator. At the Eukanuba I took lots of pictures of all my friends in the ring. I was going to blow off Westminster but

I found out a friend from Sweden was going to be there and she could transport a dog I was exporting so Ulla-Britt paid my travel and Lisa-Lott took new champion Akiba’s American Gigolo off to Sweden. He is now American, Swedish champion and a new daddy!

Thanks Ulla-Britt! I am SO glad I did not blow off Westminster as it was thrilling to be with my good friend Pamela as her dog Tucker won Best of Breed. I tried to watch two rings at once as friends Mark & Jim won Breed in the next ring with their Silky Terrier – Perry! And history was made when Zeke the Tibetan Spaniel bred by friend Mallory won a group placement – this first at the Garden.

Am/Swe Ch Akiba American Gigolo

 

Over St. Patricks Day I made my first visit to Idaho – again thanks to friends! I visited my new friend Randy and picked out my first “red” bitch. Charity is from two Australian imports

and is being selectively shown until she matures. She is backed by some “silent” partners <grin>. Idaho was beautiful and Randy’s farm was gorgeous. You can see his dogs & farm at http://willyd.com/Page14wareaglekennels.html I visited his dogs & goats! It was a whirlwind weekend trip but a lovely visit. Thanks to friends Michael & Regina, Ch Akiba’s The Go To Guy aka Shaq came back to South Carolina to live.

 

With the price of gasoline showing has been really limited this year. I tried to really pick my shows and judges but even with that I finished three Aussies – new champions Akiba's Simply Irresistible Akiba’s Divine Secret (co/bred by friend Cat Angus) and Akiba’s Shadowboxer (co/bred by friend Joan Bailey) and Akiba’s Dangerous Liaison is only 2 points from finishing.

   Ch Akiba’s Divine Secret                 Ch Akiba’s Shadowboxer            Akiba’s Dangerous Liaison

 

In July I spent a week visiting Mom in Oklahoma. I really enjoyed the week not only a week away from work worries and dogs but a week spent with Mom and everyone. The relaxation was short lived though as August 1st we were told that our jobs were being relocated in 30 days. So after 8 years I was looking for a new job! I can’t say it wasn’t a relief as this had been expected for a long time and the stress at work kept getting worse. I was VERY fortunate to find another position right away and have gone to work at UTI Technologies.

I am going to miss those 3 week vacations though! And of course typically this happened just days after I decided to buy a new (used) van. I moved up to a full size GMC Savannah

 

I helped Anne & Craig Mitchell get their dog Ch Akiba’s Sixty Minute Man into the top 5 so he was not only invited to the Eukanuba in Long Beach but is invited to Westminster 2007. Flash is ranked in the top 10 Australian Terriers – All Systems. You can see Flash at http://www.akibaaussies.com/flash.html   My friend Kim Floyd also finished her boy Akiba’s Soouthern Exposure   http://www.akibaaussies.com/moonie.html  Moonie has been tearing up the Juniors ring with co/owner Samantha. I also have been earning a little extra money designing web sites – you can check out my friend Pamela’s at http://www.aristaaussies.com and Gails’ at http://www.hyflyn.com both are still under construction.

 

 

I’m looking forward to seeing family at Christmas and was able to negotiate an extra day when I accepted my new job. I’m also looking forward to the next year. Maybe I’ll win the lottery <laugh> and will be able to afford to take BOTH Vivi & Dempsey to the Eukanuba next year! They both finished from Bred-By Exhibitor so they have qualified. I’m going to have to rethink vacation time and how it’s spent since it will be so limited! I do have some surprises in store!

 

I am truly blessed, not only did I find a new job right away and I’ve had success with my dogs but most importantly I have great friends and a wonderful family! I hope each and everyone has a great Holiday season and great 2007! I hope you have healthy, loving family & friends and success.

 

Janet